For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ATTENDANT or OPERATOR. A trained and/or qualified individual responsible for the operation of a tow car, tow truck or vehicle storage facility.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE. The position which is charged with the administration of the financial affairs of the city.
HOLD FOR EVIDENCE. A designation by the storing/impounding Police Department employee requesting a level of care above that generally accorded to stored or impounded vehicles. Within ten calendar days after the date of the tow, the Official Police Tow Service shall contact the handling Police Department employee for further instructions as to the handling and disposition of any vehicle designated as HOLD FOR EVIDENCE.
IMPOUNDED VEHICLE. Any vehicle containing evidence of criminal activity, or which in and of itself provides evidence of a criminal act, that is removed from a site and taken to the tow yard at the direction of a Police Department employee and for which a vehicle report (currently, form CHP 180) is provided to the Official Police Tow Service.
OFFICIAL POLICE TOW SERVICE. A towing company having a franchise with the city to provide towing services to the city and/or Police Department. An Official Police Tow Service shall be used by the city and/or Police Department for any situation where a tow truck is required.
STORED VEHICLE. Any vehicle removed from a site and taken to a tow yard at the direction of a Police Department employee, and for which a vehicle report (currently, form CHP 180) is provided to the Official Police Tow Service.
TOW CAR or TOW TRUCK. A motor vehicle which has been altered or designed and equipped for, and exclusively used in the business of, towing vehicles by means of a crane, tow bar, tow line, flat bed, roll back, or dolly, or is otherwise exclusively used to render assistance to other vehicles.
(Ord. 1161, passed 7-12-00; Am. Ord. 1177, passed 5-2-01; Am. Ord. 1407, passed 3-7-18)